|
Rangers-Islanders, MSG tonight, plus Blueshirts at the WJC |
|
|
|
|
|
It’s New York-New York for the final time - at least in the regular season - tonight at MSG. The Islanders won the first two battles, including November 8, when they notched three goals in the third to win 4-3. When December 22 is the final time division rivals meet, especially given the history of these two, the schedule needs a major realignment.
The Rangers saw their seven-game win streak end Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Given how that contest went and the contributing factors to the loss, I would be fairly shocked if Sammy Blais is in the lineup tonight. Julien Gauthier, a healthy scratch recently, should opt back in with Blais replacing him in the press box.
For all the talk that Patrick Kane is/will be the main deadline option/target, look for New York to potentially look to bolster the bottom six. If a top-six singer is added, a trickle down benefit is the ability to move Barclay Goodrow down to the third or likely fourth line, which also lengthens the lineup. Jonny Brodsinski has been solid since his call up. But as we have seen, additional support on that line is needed. Will Cuylle could be an option, especially early in 2023. Even if Cuylle does get a chance, GM Chris Drury, as he did at the 2022 trade deadline, needs to bolster that line.
The World Junior Championships “exhibition” games concluded yesterday and the tournament officially gets underway Monday. The Blueshirts have five players in the tournament. Most prominent is Brennan Othmann, selected 16th overall in 2021, who is skating on the top line with Connor Bedard, for Team Canada. Adam Sykora, taken in the second round, 63rd overall, in 2022, is likely to skate in the top-six for Slovakia while Noah Fata, a fourth-round pick, 111 overall last year, is a fourth-line extra forward for Team USA. Jaroslav Chmelar, a fifth-round selection, 144th overall in 2021, is playing for Providence College and a member of the Team Czechia squad. Last, but certainly not least is Kalle Väisänen, a big winger who was a fourth-round pick, 111th overall, in 2021 is part of Team Finland.
Othmann lost a few chiclets yesterday against Slovakia but returned to snipe a goal top-shelf over the blocker.
Sykora took a knee-to-knee hit but was able to return
After tonight’s game is the four-day Xmas break. Following the loss to Pittsburgh, going into the mini vacation off two straight defeats would be less than optimal. In addition, after going 0-2 so far against the Islanders, to be swept in the season series would certainly leave a bad taste in the team’s and fanbase’s mouth. Following that break are games Tuesday against Washington and Thursday in Tampa followed by a New Year’s Day contest against Florida.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»